Loading mechanism



Jan. 30, 1923. 1,443,377

A. E. NORRIS4 LOADING lVhzHANlsM4 FILED OCT. 23. i919. 3 SHEETS-SHEET 4 Jan. 30, 3*@23. 1,443,377

A, E. NORRIS. LOADING MEcHANlsM. FILED .001'. 23, 1919.

" 8 SHEETS-SHEET 5 i Jan. 3o, 1923. 1,443,377

A. E. NORRIS. LOADING MEcHANlsM. FlLEo .0m1 23, 1919, 8 SHEETS-SHEET 6 IE7/326Mo?.- uflWwwElVoPPj/S,

`l nuinlier ot chutes or hoppers tor a coal stor-` Patented dan. 3i), i923.

Aiiiiiifiao si res* rarer-tir ,oet-ics.

Aiiiiionn. nemers, or nnooiriiiiin, iaassaoniisnr'rs.

`".rioanrucf MEGHANISM Application filed October 23, 1919. Serial No.r 332,69@

other material from a storage loin or other' source oi supply into conveyingI devices, such tor example as travelling cars'or other conv`eyois. n y 1.'.l`lieiiivention will lie-liest understood by* reference to the following description when "tal'fen in connection with the accompanying illustration oit one specific. en'ihodi'inent thereof, While its scope will 'he more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings Figure 'l is a plan View slimving one ot a yage hin',` and showing `also the"y principal power-driven and( controlling parts ttor autoii'iaticallv discharging coal therefrom to ,an underlying cable/car or conveyor; y

Fig. 2 is a side elevation in partial section showing seine ot the principal parts of' the loading mechanism in the act of discharging :i quantity of coal't'rointlie chute slioivn in Fig. 'l into` the cable car beneath, which' is adapted to travel on a suitable trackway g Fig. il is a sectional elevation taken through-the discharge chaniherot tlie'chute slimving the discharging plunger in itsnormal` or liammaril ijiositioii;

Fig. -f-t, is a 1 detail showing the trigger `nieclianisni and "controlling devices associated therewith tor automatically starting into operation the nioveinent ot the discharge plunger, the parts `being shownin their norinal or latclied positioii;

Fig. 5 shows parts ot" the trigger ineclianisni` just afterV release; I

Fig. 6 is a detail Vin planshowing the connection ot the trigger shaft to its actuating lever;

" Fig. T is f plan View ot :i portion of the and l "nisin herein described; and

installation reciprocatory loed or table and associated lparts connected tol the plunger;

Fig. S is a .sectionalA elevation taken on the line 8 8 in Fig-7;

Fig. 9 is a sectional detail j in elevation showing the pressure-fluid-actuated brake;

Fig. l0 is a detail in elevation and partly i in section showing the magnetic connection between the tripping linkage andthe trigger lever; Y l

Fig. 1l is plan View of theair valve tor controlling the power drivinginechanism torithefplungeiy the brake Valve being` shown in section; i i i F ig. l2 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 12-12 otFig. ll;

F ig. 13 isa cross-sectional elevationtaken y'ZO n Fig. 14 is a plan,A partly in section. show!v ing one end of the power drivingfnieclianisin on the line 13 13 in Fig. l'lf;

with its pressure fluidy controlled clutch;

Fig. 15 1s a vView which shows diagraminatically the relation ot' the `electrical con-` nections to the 7 5 various controlling' devices,

Fig. 16 is a plan viewj'showing a typical` f installation embodying the loading mecha- Fig. 17 is a View in elevation ot the sauiel'" Referring to the y'draraninirs andV to specific embodiment ot the, inventionwli ich is submitted tor illustrative purposes. there is shown achutelwliich inay 'be'.one ot a the ries ot chutes con'iiectedto a coal storage hin extending longitudinally over the trackway 2 and trom which it is desired automatically to load cable `cars or other travelling conycyois. one ofwliicli is shown at 3, While in transit beneath the hin. The `cars may lie of amY suitable constructionadapted .to lic propelled by kthe calie (Fig. 2) indicated ata- For sin'iplicity. the parts which are asso"` ciated with the rchute for controlling the discharge ot coal intor the calole cars faresliown with relation to a single chiite only in Figs. l and 2, but asuccession of such chutes may in number-l, l and 1b) are indicated. i'neasured diagrammatically in Fig. Tt will .he understood, however,` that. as to lOO vhe employed and herein a plurality (three,

general `arrangement and rprinciple of operation, the controlling parts may be substantially duplicated as to successive chutes, so that one only willibe described in detail.

The object of the'herein described torni e of apparatus is to load each cable cai* as it f to bev suspended in some such position asv passes beneath the bin,- preferably Without interruption or slowing down of its movement, this being accomplished b y a succession of accurately timed and quiclrly eXecuted discharges frointlie successive chutes into each car as it travels beneath. Any desired number i" chutes maybe emriloycd according to the capacity ot' the cars to be loaded' and the capacity ot the discharging y lapparatus associated with each chute.

. r Referring more particularly to lligs. l, 2

and 3, each chute terminates at its lower end in a discharge chamber having the deflecting Wall 6 which forms an extension ot one side of the chute, the bottom oit the discharge chamber being closed by the plate l'. The end of the discharge chamber opposite the deflecting wall@ is normally closed by `the movableiwall or gate 8 which ispivoted at 9 and which normally gravitates' into the position shown in Fig. 3 where it rests against theedge ot the bottom plate 7. As indicated in Fig. 3, the coal gravitates from the hopper into the discharge chamber, tend-v to assume somewhat'tlie slope there iiidicated by broken lines, the slope and height of the coal with relation to the movement of 'the gate being controlledto some extent by the swingingl deliecting plate l() which is pivotedat ll and has the weighted arms-,l2 adapted toH cause it y to bear against the gravitating coal pilei desired, kthe Vplate may have (means, such as the cable connection indicated conventionally at 13 in vFig. 2, by which it may be adjustablyV raised or lowered. `This permits the plate shown,y 'from which position itmay yieldably lift undei the pressure oi the coal.

Wliei'iit is required to. discharge `thecoal accumulated in the llower part o'l' the discharge chamber, a reciprocatory movable wall orplunger is caused to advance across' the bottom of the discharge chamber trom the position shown in F 3 .to the position shown in Fig.`2, carrying with it a. forwardly 'projectingK arm 21 which is secured to the side oi' lthe movable plunger.

The plunger pushes the'accumulated coal towards the .edge ot the bottom plate 7, the

pressure ofthe `coal supplemented by the *arm :21, lifting the movable gate 8 into the positionshown in Fig.y 2 Where itA permits `the free discharge of the vcoal over the edgey of the bottom plate Y. The sides 22 ot the discharge chamber are extended beyond the edge of the bottom plate so that the discharged coal Vis guided to drop directly into.

the path of ythe underlying cable car and the `action of theplunger is accui'atelytimed,

as will more fully appear, to take place while the coal-receiving portion of the cable car is passing directly lbene-ath the path otl the discharged coal.

As soon as the plunger reaches the end of :its movement, indicated in Fig. 2, it is autopasses the Alast cliutevin the bin.

The movable wall or plunger 2() is carried at the front end ot a reciprocatory table or bed carrying one or more racks 3l (see Figs. 2 and 8) meshing' with pinions on the power shaft 33, by which movement is imparted to the table. `An accurately timed movement is given the power shaft 33 to impart a. quick forWard-and-baclr move- .ment to the table 30 at the appropriate time by suitable controlling devices. Such movement must be very rapid in order' to' discharge the coal while the car is passing be-4 neath the discharge end of :the discharge chamber, while at the saine time permitting the carto maintain a suitable speed of travel,

,and such movement must also be ,accurately timed With lreference to the position of the car.

y The [control of theV power shaft is herein eliected by pressure' fluid actuated devices under the control of a suitable valve, the latter being loperated by a trigger mechanism actuated by tripping devices directly controlled by they car itself. i

Reterrfingnow to the tripping mechanism and more particularly to Figsfl, 2 and e',

at the side of each discharge chamber there is provided a depending tripping arm 40 which lies within the path of alaterally extending knock-oit arm 4l. (Fig. .2) carried by the cable car, so as to be struck .by the knock-off arm asltlie car travels in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 2. This takes place just as the `load-carrying part oi". the car reaches a Coal-receiving position' The tripping HHH 40 is carried by a `link member a2 jointed at one end to'the lever 43, which latter is pivoted to the side of the discharge member, and jointed a-t the other end to a depending arm 44, the upper end of which is tulcrumed on the end of a latch shaft 45. The tripping arm presents a rounded or bevelledl face; to the knock-ott arm, so that, when engaged by the latter, the tripping arm rides upon the knock-off arm and is lifted thereby, valso vcient to complete the load oit the car as it -linkagigo from the full line position shown in Fig. 4 to the dotted line position therein shown.

The tripping lever 40 is pivoted at 46 between twokstrips which form the link 42, its pivotal position being preferably adjustable lengthwise the link so it may be located in the exact spot which is required accurately tocoordinate the movement of the discharge plunger with the travelof the cable car at the particular speed at which the cable road is operated. The tripping lever has a lug or linger 47 (Fig. 4) which rests upon a pin 48 secured to the link 42, the construction being such that the tripping lever is substantially rigid with relation to the link 42 when engaged by the knock-off arm in the normal movement of the cabley ycar in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 2, and under ksuch circumstances causes the lifting of the linkage. lf engaged by the knock-off arm 41. however, yon any opposite movement of the car, either designed or accidental, the tripping lever 40 swings about its ypivot 46, allowing the knock-ofi:`

`rarm to pass `beneath the same without moving the link.A f

.serving to move a depending lever arm 53 (see Figs. l and 2) on the end of the trigger shaft and actua-te a controlling valve mounted in the valve casing 54 at the side of the discharge chamber, which in turn instantly applies power to move the discharge plunger 20.

vTo provide a means whereby the loader i may be rendered ineffective at any required time in orderto meet abnormal conditions,`

such for example as loss of power on the cable road'or the passage of a partly loaded car or other conditions as will be more fully explained, the link 44 is operatively connected to the latch shaft by a magnet rconnection which may be broken as required by means of suitable rcontrolling devices, as will be hereinafter explained. For this purpose the link 44 is mounted to turn loosely on the shaft (see Figs. 5 and 10) but carries an armature 55 which cooperates with the pole pieces of a pair of'magnets 56, the magnets being mounted in the magnet carrier 57 supported by the arms 58, whichv latter are keyed or otherwise fastenedto the latch shaft 45 at the opposite sides of the l arm 44. The windings of the magnets 56 are included in a controlling circuit herefinafter described and are `normally energized so thatthe magnet carrier 57 1s a-ttracted to the armature 55 and the arms 58r and latch shaft 45 are thereby operatively connected to the arm 44 and move therewith. When the magnet circuit is opened, however, and the magnets deenergized, the movement of the linkage may take place without any movement of the arms 58 or the latch shaft 45.

The latch shaft 45, which is mounted to turn` in the structure connected tothe delivery chamber, carries at its opposite end the latch 50, a shouldered end cf which normally overlies the end of the trigger 5l and holds it in the position shown in Fig. 4. ln

the normal position of the apparatus, the

trigger is'urged or pressed in the direction ofthe arrow shown in Fig. 4 and against the shouldered end of the latch by means of a helical spring 60 encircling the shaft 52,` one end of which spring is securedto a collar 6l (Fig. l)y keyed to the trigger shaft 52 Vand the opposite' end of which `is secured within a sleeve 62 carried by a clutch 68 (Fig..6)..The clutch 6?) has a depending lever arm 64 carrying the cam roll 65 lying within the path yof a cam 66, which cam (see Fig. 7) is mounted on the reciprocatory bed '30. The clutch 63 has teeth which register` and cooperate with similar teeth carried by a clutch sleeve G7 lixedly secured on the shaft 52, there `being provided,l however,

considerable lost motion or clearance between the tecthin the respective clutch memlbers 63 and 67.

When the plunger and table move back to the normal position (shown `in Figsf and 4), after the discharge of coal,ltheicam 66 engages the cam roll 65' and the latter, riding upon the face of the cam, `is left in the position Shown in Fig. 4 when the parts come to rest, having moved the clutch arm 64 counterclockwis'e. This movement of the arm 64 irst brings the trigger into contact withv the latch through the stiff spring connection 60 and then, through a slight continuation of the movement, vacts to wind. up or tension the spring. Y nient of the clutch lever after the triggerlias been broughtto rest by the latch 'is permitted by 'the'lost motion in the clutch teeth, the teeth on the clutch member (33 advancing The necessary move- N to bring their bevelledvedges in contact'with the bevelled edges of the clutch member (37 andthe straight edges being separatedwhen the parts come to rest by the amount of lost motion,vas indicated in Fig. 6. y

It follows, therefore, that as soon as rthe linkage moves to lift the latch 50, the trigger, under the tension of the spring 60, instantly `snaps from the position shown in Fig. 4 to that shown in Fig. 5, the spring 60 relaxing under this movement and bringing the straight edges of the teeth on the two jaw members again into contact.

To check the momentum of the trigger cieiitly beyond its normal position to re-y when released and to prevent any excess movement in either direction, the trigger has a. depending` arm 7() which works .between tivo spring-pressed buffers 71 5), each consisting of aplunger movable within a casin'g72 and having the spring 73 which yieldably hold'sthe plunger in a predetermined position with relation tofthe armfi-O.- y

When the trigger 51 ymoves from the, normal position shown in Fig. 4to its released position shown in Fig. 5 it causes the valveactuating lever 53 at the end of the trigger shaft to swing counterclockwise throiigh a. sufficient arc to move the valve inst'aii'tlyfto its starting position.

The valve instantly starts in motion the drive shaft 33, starting the plunger on lthe table in its forward, coal-discharging ii'io'venient. This withdraws the cam G6 fro`n'i`beneath the cam roll 65, leaving the clutch lever Gli and the trigger free to move back (or in a clockwise direi-'tion as viewed in Figs. 4C and but until positively reversed, the trigger and trigger shaft remain'rin the position shown in Fig. 5 dueV to the friction of the parts. As the plunger and table' approach the forward limit of moven'ient (see Fig. 2), a second cam 7 5 also carried by the table or bedB() engages a cam roll 7G carried by the leve arm 7T mounted on the transverse rock shaft 78, the latter being connected to the clutch lever 64: by the depending lever arm 7 9 and the link 80.

rlhe table kwith the cam,l which has moved at the end of the coal-discharging movement from the position shown in F ig. 3 to that shown in Fig. 2, thereupon moves the cam roll 7G and thereby swings the clutch lever @l-fand trigger 51 to the position shown in Fig. 2, this serving to swing the valve-operating lever 53 back through an arc suffivei'se the valve, as will be more fiillydescribed, and to reverse the movement of the driving shaft 38. This immediately starts the plunger in its backward movement,

izfioving the pai-ts from ythe position shown in Fig. fto the latched cil normal position shown in Fig. l. y

Vhen the passage of a cable rar moves vthe linkage to release 'the trigger, and the knock-oil' arm 41 has passed the trip arm 51.0,

vthe linkage drops back to itsA normal position, allowing the latch lever 5() tov drop down into the position shown in Fig1 5. As soon as the trigger' is throw'nback i'nto the position shown inl Fig. 2, following the completion ofthe forward movement ofthe plunger, the latch lever falls in front of the trigger, as shown in Fig'. 2, and is in a position to stop and hold the trigger as soon as the plunger completes its rearward movement and the spring 6() is placed under tension as already described.

The parts, havingy completed their cycle 'of' movement, are thus restored to their by seine prime mover such as the electric motor 90,v which power-driven member, through suitable reversing gearing and under the control of thefvalve device 54, is

adapted' to be connected to the drive shaft 33'to t'ur'nthe 'same first: in one direction and then in the" other according to the moveiiie'n'ts of the trigger' 51. Through the provision of the constantly driven prime mover, power' iii'ay'be directly and instantly applied l to the plunger to effect its movement quickly and instantly and without the delay which is incidental to the action of discharging devices acting in response to gravity or where prime movers are employed which must be started into operation and brought up to speed before full power is available for moving the discharging agency.

iVhile the application of power to the drive shaft 33'to turn the same first in one direction and then in the other may be had by any suitable'means, herein the shaft 33 is mounted in bearings 91 (Fig. 1) and carries at its end the bevelled gear 92 which meshes `with the two gears 93 and 94:. The bevelled gears 93 and 94: are mounted adjacent spur gears 95 and 96 respectively but are iiorinally disconnected therefrom. The gears`95 and9t5 areconstantly driven in the direction of the arrowfshown in Fig. 1 by engagement witlithe driving pinions 97 and 98 respectively, the latter being` keyed or otherwise xedly secured on the drivingv of the series through similar transmission devices.4 l

v lt will be obvious that if the gear 93 is clutched tothe gear 95, the gear 92 and the drive shaft 33 will be immediately turned in the direction suitable for moving the plunger and table forward. hand, if the gear 94C is clutched to the gear 96, the drivingsha'ft will be turned in the opposite direction, tending to return the plunger and table to its normal position.

Any suitable clutching devices may be employed, but herein pressure-fluid, clutchoperating devices 110' and 111, under the control of the' valve 54', are utilized for this purpose, the joint action of the valve and the pressure ti'uid clutches insuring an in On the other "stantan'eous response on the part of the driving shaft to the movement of the trigger. ln order to check the movement of the table and plunger' at the end of its stroke, there is also preferably employed a brake 112 actuated by fluid pressure under the control of the valve, as hereinafter more y fully described.

Referring to the power transmission and reversing mechanism and particularly to ing mechanism for the gear 93 (Fig. 14),

ythe gear is `keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft 113 which is separate from the corresponding shaft 114 for the gear 94. The driving gear is mounted to turn loosely about the shaft 113 but carries a cone-shaped clutch member' 115 which is adapted to be moved lengthwise the shaftl to engage with a cooperating friction clutch surface carried by the gear 93. The clutch surfaces are normally kept out of contact and the clutches disengaged by the spring 116 one end of which is seated in a sleeve 117 bearing against the hub of the gear 95 and the other end of whichis seated in a groove in the face of the gear 93. To force the clutch members into clutching engagement, the opposite end of the hub on the gear 95 is engaged by a thrust collar 120 against which bears a thrust pin 121 Vworking in a slot 122 `in the shaft 113, the thrust pin being connected to a thrust rod 123 eXtend ing axiallyr through the shaft to its outer end where it is connected to the plunger or piston 124 of the pressure-fluid operating member 110. The piston 124 is movable within a -cylinder-like chamber formed in the casing of the clutch operating device 110 and its face is exposed to pressurefluid admitted through an admission passage 125 which has connection with the pressurefluid supply pipe 126, the connection being such as to permit the rotation of the pressure-fluid clutch operating device 110 with the shaft 113 in relation to the pipe 126.

The pressure fluid supply pipe 126 for the `clutcli-operating device 110 leads to one side of the valve casing 54aud the pressure fluid supply pipe 127 for the other clutch-operating device '111 leads to the opposite end of the valve `casing. 'lhe arrangement is such that wheny the pipe 126 is open to the pressure fluid supply, the piston 124 isK moved longitudinally, clutching the gear 95 to the gear 93 and starting` the shaft 33 into motion in one direction. `When the supply pipe 126 is opened to the exhaust, the clutch is disengaged through the spring 116 and further movement of the shaft 33 ceases. this being preferably supplemented by the simultaneous application of the brake 112 under controlling valve 138.

pressure fluid control. lVhen the pressure fluid is admitted tothe pipe 127, the gear 96 is clutched to the` gear 94 and the shaft 33 starts turning `in the opposite direction, this motion ceasing as soon as the pipe 127 "0 connected to thefexhaust.

Referring now to the controlling valve, the casing 54 for the latteris mounted on the side of the delivery chamber struct-ure and the valve has connection to the valveoperating lever by means of the link 130, the latter at i'tsopposite end being jointed (Figs. 11 and 12) to a` yoke 131. The yoke 131 is connected to the slide rods 132 and 133 which are mounted for sliding movement in lugs 134 on the valve casing, the slide rods being `united at the opposite end of the cross bar 135. rlhe yoke, cross bar and slide rods constitute a` sliding frame which carries at opposite ends the plunger' pins 136 which 'pass through. the packing glands 137 at opposite ends ofthe valve casing and contact with the opposite ends of the main or clutch- The latter is of the n spool type having enlarged heads at opposite ends and a reduced intermediateportion, the latter being exposed to live pressure fluid which enters the casing through the. inlet pipe 14() (Fig. 13),the admission space 141, and the port 142. The supply pipe 126 for the clutch device 110 is connected to a space 143 which is normally connected with yan exhaust opening 144 through `the open ports 145 and146. Similarly, at the opposite end of the valve casing, the pipe 127'is connected to the space 147 which is normally open to an exhaust passage 148 through the open ports 149 and 146.vv

wWhen the trigger 51 is released and moves f counter-clockwise as 'viewed in Fig. 4, the 4105 plunger-pins 136 are moved to the right as viewed in Fig. 12, thisr moving the valve 138 so as to'close the port 145 to the exhaust passage 144'and open vit to the port 142 andthe admission space'141.V This instantly opens the supply pipe 126 to live pressure fluid and actuates the clutch-operating devi-ce 110. man the Igg lever is rnovedrback from the position. shown in Fig.-5 to that shown in Fig. 2 by the completion ofthe forward movement of the plunger", the pl unger pins 136 move to their' opposite extreme position. this `in turn moving the yvalve '133 to open theY space 143 and likewise the pipe 126 to the exhaust space 144, thereby releas-` ing the clutch-operating device 110. 4 At the same time7 the space 147 and ylikeu'fisc the pipe 127 is opened to live pressure fluid through the admission space 141 and closed to the exhaust space 148, thereby applying the clutch for the gear 94 andreversing movement of the driving shaft..

When the plunger completes its rearward movement and brings the controlling parts to the position shown in Fig. 4,'the valve is 130 l restored-y to1 its n ornial or Minid position, represented `in Fig. 12, wherein both supply pipes 126 and1127-are opento Ithe exhaust and both clutches disengaged.

Simultaneously .with the admission ot' pressure to either supply pipe :126 or 127, pressure is, admitted to release lthe brake112, the latter being instantly applied as soon as the valve 'is brought to its mid position and pressure iuid exhausted from both clutch-openatfing devices. For thispu-rpose a second valve A150 for Controlling the brake is also mounted in a separatel chamber in the valvecasing, such valve having a limited movement between ,the opposite abutinents 151. This -va-lve controls VVthe admission of pressure- Huid through a .pipe 152 (Figs. 1 and 12) to a brake-.operating cylinder 153 (see Fig. 9), `the latter containing a piston 154 connected by ,the ,piston rod 155 :to the brakeeoperating lever 15.6. The brake may befofany suitable form butis herein shown as .abrake band 1 57 `encircling `a suitable brakedru1n158 `and having its oppositeends connectedivtothe brake lever-156. one at the point 1 59 andthe otheiat 160, the connections being such vthat when the lever is moved about the -fuleruni ,16.1, it `applies' or releases the brake b and, as the case maybe. Normally `tl ie.bra le is applied by a heavy spring .162 connected tothe brakeilever 156 so that in theabsence ofpriessure Huid admitted-through the pipe.152,the brake is applied. Vilhenthe pressure fluid is zadmitted Vthrough the inlet `pipe v152, the piston 1:54

'the port170 and moves the brake valve 150, vto the left f as viewedlin' F1-g. 11, this un covering theport l172 and' admittingpressure luidthereto from theport 170. vOu

vthe other hand, when pressure 'fluid isait mitted -to the pipe 127. -t-he valve 15() is moved in the opposite direction, uncovering a port 17.3and Iadmitting pressuretluid ythereto from -the space 147i and port 171,.

Port-s 172 and both Vopen into -a .space 171(Figgl).avhichingturn is Connected to a. passago175-commiinieating ivitlnthe brake supply pipe 1152 12;).

' Q'n the; movement ofthe niain clutch-operat-iing valve, therefore, in eitherdirection ffo'r/the ,actuation ot-either clutch, the brake valve is movedinonedirection or the-other,

vthis ser-vingto :admit pressureffluid to the brake Acylinder .and immediately release the ynet coils 56, and 56h. .suit-ch 2031s released, it will againopen ,the circuit, bntrvthe switch will lremain .with the conductor 19.9.

yce .flow of a sufficient current to hold the switch 189 closed but insuflicaent tofefect its :losure maaar? brake. Qn the release ofhoth clutches, ho\v ever, the brake is instantly applied.

. Intheoperation of a system'like that described, it is often desirable to provide certainy controlling devices to prevent or modify the ,operation of the loader in the case or' abnormal conditions. In Fig. 15 I have shown diagrammatically an arrangement of controllingoircuits whereby such control may be effected through the magnetic connections 56 which have been already de- .scribed as constitutingpart of the operative connection between the tripping lever and the latch shajlt.

'flgleferring toF 15,^the.cable drive motoil 180, withv its series iield 181 and shunt iield 182is connected tothe positive side of the `power-circuit through the starting rheostat 183 and the `main switch 184, `and to the negative side Aozlthe powerv circuit through the y conductor 185. The magnet windings 56, 356i, 56", etc., for the ,successive coal Vchutes 1,1, 1?, etc., are included in series in a shunt circuit which starts from the positive terminal 186 and extends through the conductor 187 to the magnetically actuatedswitch 188thence through thereonrductQn'dSS) toeach ,set of magnet coils in succession, thence vthrough the switch 19() and conductor 191 to the Aswitch 192, and thence through Ythe conductor 193 to the negativeside oi the power circuit.

.The switch 188 is adapted to be .moved to aclosed position bythe magnet coil 191 contained within a shunt circuit, whichlatterextends from the conductor 185 through the conductor 195,' thence through the magnet 194,A conductor .19.6, .switch 197, conductors .198 Iand ,199, `resistance 200, conduetors 20,1 and 202, lthelatter connected to the conductor 187.

'The conductors 2()laand 202 are adapted to be'connected at one or more `pointsby llvvopenswitches 203, as for example by a y ies. of push buttonsarranged one-at ear4 each loading chute, sothat by,press `the pushbutton and closing .the circuit atany rone vloading device .after .the cable motor hasfbeenstarted, a cuiientinay ne caused to liowthrough the described shunt circuitand energize. the magnet `M14-closinnthe switch 183 andei'iergizing the inie W hen any given closed by a current which continuesto flow Ithrough the magnet 194 tromthe conductor 291, which 4.latter connectsthe` conductor 167 The conductor .201 talus u resistance 205 whichpei'mits the whenopen. VThe conductor 199,y onthe other` hand, Contains .alesser resistance 2,00 suit` able `to permit a current iow sufficient to etliect the `closure of the switch 1.88 when a push button is pressed. included in the circuit 187 there are preferably provided one or more normally closed switches 210, as for example, normally closed ypush button switches, and which may be located one at or in vthe vicinity of each Coal chiite, by means oft which the operative can at any time open the circuit for the nets 56, 56 and 56h and render the loading devices ineffective, There is thus provided means to throw the loaders out of operation when any abnormal conditions arise which make their operation undesirable.

i .ln order tov provide'n'ieans for the openin oi a magnet circuit in the event the fluid pressure in the supply pipe falls below the amount required tor the effective operation ozt the controllino.devices for the power transmission or below any predetermined amount, means suchas the switch 190 may 'be provided which is `normally held closed by means of the piston 211 contained within the cylinder 212 and exposed to pressure liuid throughthe pipe 213, the latter connected to the main supply pipe 140 for the valvecasing,r 54. The pressure fluid within i the cylinder 212 lifts the piston against the 3l)` pressure or" a spring 214 but, it the pressure k.tails `below a predetermined amount, such springdepresses the piston and opens the circuit at the switch 190. c

4There may also be provided rmeans for driven through suitable gearing 'from the i leaded or partly loaded will pass beneath openingthe `magnet circuit in the event that the speed of the cable motor drops below a predetermined amount.` F or this purpose there is connected to the cable motor ortosuitable 'devices driven thereby, a speedresponsive device such as a ball governor 215, the latter connected to hold the switch 192 in circuit-closing` position so long as the vspeed 'et' the cable motor and the speedy of the'cable are maintained above the required point, but adapted to lower the switch and open thecircuit when the speed falls below such point. i

` Any suitable operative connection may be maintained between the `qoveinor 215 and the cable motor.` rHerein 16 and 17) at some approln'iate point in the trackway, the cable 4 is diverted to pass over suitable winding' drums 216, 217, the latter being motor 180, and the governor 215 lia-ving a (lrivingconnection, as through the belt 218,

:from one oi the intermediate transmission shafts so as toy be maintained at a speed proportionateto that `of the motor and the ci)k cable. f y e n In the operation of a system of this type, it sometimesy happens that a car already the coal chutes and.. if unobserved the norinal oieration ot all the chu-tes in discharo'-y l n to,

ingy a measure of coal into the' car will overT load it and spill more Vor less coal. In order to prevent the operation ofthe loader except where the car passing beneathv the chutes is initially empty or substantially so,

there is provided aswitcli responsive to the passagev oa car containinga load or a portion lof a load, which switch.` is adapted to open the magnet circuit. Herein such a switch is shown at 197 and is connectedby the link 220 to the lever arm 221, the latter 'being` jointed at 225 andiesting at their ends on the supports 226. vThese rails are `normally supported by the lever-sustained plate 223 which is held in position by the spring 227 pressing down uponv the lever 221 near its opposite end. The spring has such a tension that it will not lyield under vthe passage of an empty car over the track section and, under such conditions7 the split track section 224 remains rsubstantially rigid. In the case of a loaded or partly loaded car, however, the track section `224 will depress under the weight of the car, lifting the opposite end of the lever against the spring 226 and raising the switch197 to break the circuit. This in turn deenergizes the magnet 194 and opens themagnet circuitat ,the switch 188. y

AThe loading system, diagrammatically shown in Fig. 15, and the loading mechanism heretofore described may khave application to widely varying conditions, but

herein, for the purposes of illustration, there is shown in Figs. 16 and 17 a typical` installation' embodying the features re` ferred to. The cable road 2'is herein adapted to conduct the cars` beneath the storagel bin and the several hoppers 1, 1a` andr 1", which latter are maintained charged from a source not herein shown. The cars are then propelled from the point of charge'up the incline shown to an 'elevated section of Y `to such vessels or into stoiagefreceptacles,

as the casemay'be. y

While I have herein shown and described for purposes of illustration onespeciicembodiment of the invention, it is to be understood thatthe same is not limit'edto thede- Y Vtails of construction or form or relativearrangement of parts or to the specic applic" iio `cumnla'ted material over the edge of the bottom plate and deliver the same directly to a movable conveyance'beneath, poiverdriven 'means for 'eper'ating said plunger including a" driving- 'sha-tt vvvith transmission gearing', a constantly driven power supply means', power transmission means to drive said shaft in either direction lromthe power supply means andincluding pairo drivin'gl'members, ene tor advance 'movement et' the Vplunger andthe other for reverse movement` thereef, means yior connecting 'the power transmission Smeans to the driv- 'shhal't to 'drive the plunger in either direction and including '-a'clutch 'foreach driving member 'and` a vpressure fluid, clutchoperatingH device for each', a controlling valve tor controlling the ychit ch-operating s'to apply'the clutch independently, said valve when moved to `one position 'acting to clutch the delivery 'drive member'to the dr'ive'sliait and 4caur'se' the delivery movem'en't'of the plunger," andiv'lien moved to lits lopposite position causing' the reversev drive"'nieinber to' be clutched to xthe drive shfat't and return the jdelivery'r plunger to its initial position, and having' meansto'provide for 'the release /otfboth'clutches when the'A valve isfin abn intermediate'-nbsitiom l:iiieansadap ted to be actuated. by an appro'aeliing' conveyanceat each loading"hepper'to fnlo've the cerrespendingivalve and start the delivery plunger `on its" dellverymovement, -said i'al've-nievingj means including a lateh and zi-r'n'iovable vtiigfejer normallyfitensioned a'n'anistlfts latch, said trnggfer having' operative connections to said valve, Aa tripping;

nieces., m for rnevin'gjtlie'latch' to release vthe trigger and a Ak'n'oek-oti device on the Conveyance to move' the trip .mechanism ehe "the aireaches a 'position beneatl'i'the delivery chamber, means movable with the plunger te reverse the inoi'feinent' thereof at the 'end oi" itsfdelivei'y movement and'com- Yprisingr,cam means and cooperating parts to move said 'trigger back to `'reverse the valve and connect the drive:shaft-'through the remaining 'pressure fluid clutch-operating member to the reverse drive member and cam means also carried thereby te move the trigits latch, thereby ytorestorc nearthe closeof the reverse movement ot the plunger to bring the latter to restand to further tension the trigger against itsilatch,

thereby restoring the parts to'their normal position, a brake for the driving mechanism,

s alid brake being"spring-applied and pressure-iiuid-released and means to control the brake cooperatively with said clutch members 'to automatically release -thebralre When either poiver-actuated driving member is connected to drive the plunger and apply the brake immediately when said members are disconnected from the plunger, said means including apressure duid, controlling valve for controlling the admission ot pres'- sure fluid to the bra-ke, said valve being cooperatively controlled by the pressure fluid admitted to the pressure-fluid, 'clutch-controlling devices, y y

ln the loadingsystem, a loadingapparatus having a movable delivery member, a ponj'er transmission means for applying power to impart t0 said member a delivery movement and also a movememtl in its reverse direction, pressure fluid controlling means for said member, a controlling valve for said eontrolling means, means adapted to be actuated bya' travelling conveyance to move the valve to one position and start the delivery member on its delivery movement, said valve-moving means including a' latch and a movable trigger normally tensioned against its latch, said trigger 'having operative connections to'said'valve, a tripping mechanism formovingthev latch "to release the trigger and move the valve, a device 'on the travelling` conveyance to move the tipping mechanism, means `movablev with the delivery member to reverse thel movement thereof at the end of its delivery movement and comprisingn means to move V'said trigger back to reverse' the valve, and

means also carried thereby to move the trigfger and valve to its mid or normal position neary the' close of the reverse movement ot the delivery member to'fbring the latter to rest and further tension the trigger against tlieirV normal position.

3.111 loading',apparatus, a reciprocaitorymovable delivery member and controlling means tor controlling` the application' of power thereto, said. means including a latch, a controlling memberE norn'iallv held against tension by saidflatch and'a-dapted ,ivi/ien released thereby to move to a position to initiate the delivery movement' ot said delivery member, means actuated by the `deliverymember to movethe controlling.;` member reversely and thereby reverse the `nievement oi the 'delivery member and means effective on the return movement ofthe dei' livery member to move said controlling lmember to itsnormalposition Where it-is I'the parts to loo engaged by said latch and also `to tension the same to restore it to its normal condition.

4. A loading system having a loading apparatus provided with a movable discharge member 'tor discharging a quantity of material into aimoving conveyance while in transit, pressure fluid controlling means therefor, a controlling valve adapted to have a plurality of positions adapted when moved to one position to start the delivery member in motion, means adapted to be actuated by movement. ot a conveyance for initially moving said valve, means for reversing said valve and reversing the movement ot the delivery member when the latter reaches the end of its delivery movement and means i'or bringing the valve to an intermediate position to stop `further movement ofthe delivery member at the end of the reverse movement.

5. An automatic loading system for travelling` conveyors having .loading apparatus provided with a receptacle for holding material and a movable discharge member for delivering a quantity of material therefrom to an underlying conveyance, a constantlyactuated power-driven member with power transmission means to operatively connect the same to said. discharge member to effect a quick movement thereof, controlling means at the loading apparatus adapted to be actuated by the moving conveyance to be load-ed to control said power transmission means to move said discharge member and deliver a quantity of material to said conveyance while in transit beneath the receptacle. i s

6. in automatic loading system for travelling conveyors having loading apparatus including a receptacle and a power driven, movable discharge member' ytherefor to discharge a. quantity ot material therefrom `to a moving conveyance while the latter is m transit beneath the receptacle and controlling means actuated by said conveyance to apply pov/*er to move said member.

7. In an automatic loading system for travelling conveyors, a plurality of loading apparatuses, each having a stationary receptacle and a power-driven, movable discharge member to discharge a quantity of material to the moving conveyance while in transit beneath the receptacle and means tor automatically eii'ecting the movement of said discharge member at each apparatus as the conveyance passes beneath the same to deposit quantitiesof material separately therein as it successively passes the several loading apparatuses.

8. In anr automatic loading system for travelling conveyors, the combination with raplurality ot loading apparatuses including each a receptacle for the material anda movable discharge member movable within loading said receptacle and adapted to force a quantity of material directly from said receptacle to the moving conveyance, and means automatically to effect the movement of said discharge member at :each apparatus as the` conveyance passes the same. y

9. An automatic loading system for travelling conveyors having a hopper, a delivery chamber with discharge opening, a recipi'ocatory. movable delivery plunger having a movement in said delivery chamber to deliver a quantity of material to a. travelling conveyance. and means automatically to eflect the movement ot said discharge membei' as the conveyance passes the same.

10. ln a loading system, the combination if a, hopper having a delivery chamber with a fixed bottom and an upwardly movable swinging closure torthe delivery end, a reciprocatory movable delivery plunger adapted to have-a delivery movement across the bottom and relatively to the closure to open the closure and `:torce the accumulated material over the edge thereof, a conveyance beneath the chamber and receiving the material therefrom, and power-driven means for operating the plunger. y

- ll. An automatic loading systemy having loading apparatus `including a receptacle and a power-driven, movable discharge member to discharge a quantity of material to a conveyance while the latter is in transit, a constantly driven, driving member for said discharge member. a clutch for connecting the driving member to the discharge member, a pressure iiuid, clutch-operating device to actuate the clutch to effect a quick movement ot' the driving member. a conn trolling` valve and means adapted to be actuated` by a n'ioving conveyance for moving the valve.

l2. in automatic loadingsystem having apparatus including a powerdriven, movable vdischarge member to 'discharge a quantity of material to a moving conveyance while in transit, a constantly driven, driving member for `said delivery' member, means to connect the driving member to and disconnect the same from the discharge member, pressure fluid controlling `means therefor, a controlling valve, a trigger the-release of which moves the valve, and means carried by the conveyance to release lthe trigger.

13,. Anautomatic loading system having `loading apparatus including a power-driven delivery member to deliver quantity of material to a moving conveyance, a driving member` therefor, power transmission means to drive said driving member in either direction and including a pair of constantly driven, driving members, one for movement of the delivery member in one direction and the other for the reverse movement thereof,

a Aclutchl tor each driving. member, and

means adapted to be actuated by a conveyance tor controlling saidclutches.

14. 1n an automatic loading system, the combination of a loading apparatus ,including a power-driven, movable delivery member which moves the material, power transmission means adapted to start, stop and reverse the movement thereof to cause the same to move a.v body of the material and to return to its initial position in readiness to move `another body, and means adapted to be. actuatedr by `a moving conveyance for automatically controlling said power transmission means. i

V15. ln any automat-ic loading system, the combination of a loading apparatus having a power-driven, movable propelling delivery member to `forcibly move a quantity of material toward a point ofdelivery to almoving conveyance while` in transit, -power transmission means adapted to start, stopand reverse the movement ofthe delivery member, pressure fluid controlling .means therefor, a controlling valve and meansY automatically to move said valve through the movement of the conveyance.

16. '1n an automatic loading system, the combination of a loading apparatus having a power-driven, movable discharging member to dischargea quantity of material to a moving conveyance while in transit, a constantlyl driven, power transmission means adapted to startv and stop the movement of the delivery member, pressure fluid controlling means, a controllingvalve, a trigger to move the valve andmeans automatically to actuate the trigger through the movement of the conveyance.

17. A loading system having a loading apparatus provided withy a movable discharge propulsion member` for forcibly propelling a` quantity of material toward a point of delivery whence it is deliveredinto a moving conveyance while in transit, pressure fluid controlling means therefor, a controlling valve adapted when moved to one position to start the delivery member and means for moving said valve actuated through the movement of the conveyance.

18. 1n a loading system, the combination of a loading apparatus having a movable delivery member which propels the material, power-driven means for moving said member to cause the same. to propel the material, means for applying said power-driven means to effect arquiclr movement of said delivery member, pressure fluid controlling means, a valve, a valve actuator, and means for moving the valve actuator through the movement of a conveyance.

19. 1n a -loadingsystenn thel combination witha loading apparatus havingv a movable delivery member which propels the material, a power driving member, a Vcontrolling valve with a cooperating pressurefluid controlling means to control the application of' power to said delivery member toy cause the same to propel the material, means automatically to move the valve to start said delivery member in motion, and means automatically to bring said delivery memberv to rest when its movement is completed.

20. 1n a. loading apparatus for loading a moving conveyance,the combination vwith a delivery chamber, a power-driven discharge member, a. tensioned controlling member to apply power to said discharge membery and means automatically to release said controlling member through the approach of a conveyance.

21. 1n a loading apparatus for loading a moving conveyance, the combination with a delivery chamber, a power-driven discharge men'xber, a tensioned controlling member to apply power to said discharge member, means automatically to release said controlling member through the approach vof a conveyance, and means to restore the tensioned Vcontrolling member to its normal position under tension when the discharge member has completed its movement.

22. In an automatic loading apparatus, thecombination with a power-driven delivery member, pressure fluid controlled means for controlling the application of power to said member and a cooperating v pressurecontro'lled'ubrake alsovto govern the movement of said delivery member.

ln a loading apparatus, a movable discharge member, driving means therefor, a

brake, a pressure fluid'y controlling device to control the application ot" power to said member and valve means coordinately controlling the pressure fluid controlled means and vsaid brake, l

1ny an 'automatic loading system, the combination with a loading apparatus ot' a movable delivery member for forcibly propelling material toward a point of delivery toa conveyance in transit, pressure fluid means for applying power to move said delivery member to cause the same to move the material, a valve, and means adapted to be actuated by the approach of a conveyance for moving said valve.

Q5. 1n a loading system, the combination with a loading apparatus havingavmovable delivery member, forpropelling the material. means for applying power to move said member to cause the same to move `the material and means actuated by the movementof the conveyance for controlling said vpower-applying means.

26. 1n1 anlautomatic loadingapparatus for loading travelling conveyors while intransit, the, combination witha deliveryy hopper,lk a power-driven delivery member adapted by a quick movement to forcibly propel a quantity of material into a conveyor While the latter is in` transit, pressure lluid means to actuate said member to cause the same to move the material and a valve adapted to be actuated by an approaching conveyor to inimally restrained against movement i and` means adapted to release said actuator', said means being adapted to be engaged by an approaching conveyor.

28. ln anrautomatic loading apparatus for loading `travelling conveyors While in transit, `the combination with a delivery hopper, a power-driven delivery member adapted by a quick movement to discharge a quantity of material into a conveyor While the latter isin transit, a constantly driven, driving member, fluid pressure means to operatively connect said `driving member to said delivery member, and means adapted to be actuated by an approaching conveyor to control said pressure liuid means.

29. ln an automatic loading system, a loading apparatus, means actuated by a moving conveyance for delivering measuredv charges of material to successive conveyances, and means for rendering said delivery means ineffective lon the approach of a conveyance already containing a load.

B0. ln an automatic loading System having a trackvvay, a loading apparatus, means actuated by a coiiveynce moving upon said traclrvvay for delivering a quantity of material thereto', means for rendering said delivery aneans inetfectiveya fdevice for controlling said last-named means associated with said trackvvay and movable upon the passage ot' a conveyance exceeding a predetermined Weight.

3l. In an automatic loading system, a loading apparatus, tripping mechanism to control the movement of the loading apparatus, said tripping mechanism being adapt-- edto be actuated by a moving conveyance to be' loaded, electro-magnetic means to render said tripping mechanism ineil'ective and a. l switch to control said electro-magnetic `means responsive to the passage or' a conveyance exceeding a predetermined Weight.

32; ln'an automatic loading system, the combination with a plurality of loading devices of means fat each device to be actuated by a moving conveyance'or depositing each aquantity of material iny said conveyance ,While the latter is in transit and means tor rendering said loading devices ineffective on thev approach or' a conveyance exceeding a predetermined Weight.

33. ln an automatic loading system, a loading apparatus, means actuated by a moving conveyance tor delivering a quan,

tity ot material thereto While said conveyance is in transit and means to prevent `the delivery of material to a conveyance already loaded.

84. ln an automatic loading system, the combination with loa-ding apparatus' `or a moving conveyance, motive means tor movying the same, means `actuated by said convoyance for causing said loading apparatus to deliver a quantity of material to said conveyance and means responsive to change in speed ol' said 'motive means for rendering said loading means ineffective.

35. ln an automatic loading system, the combination of a loading apparatus, a moving conveyance, means actuated by said coiin veyance tor causing said loading apparatus to deliver a quantity ci: material to Said conveyance While" in transit, motive means to impart a travelling movement to said conveyance and means torender said loading' apparatus inetlective when the speed ol said motive means falls belovvv a predetermined amount.

36. In an automatic loading system, the combination with loading apparatus, a cable road With cable cars thereon, motive means for propelling the cars, a speed responsive device connected thereto, meansadapted to be actuated by the passage of a cable car to actuate said loading apparatus and del liver a quantity of material thereto While said car is in transit, an electro-magnetic device to render vsaid actuating `means effective or inellective and a switch actuated by said speed responsive means :tor controlling` said electro-magnetic device;

37. ln an automatic combination with a loading apparatus, movable member for delivering a quantity o' material therefrom, a power-driven member, pressure i'luid means adaptedto apply power tesa-id member to iiiove the saine, means adapted to be actuated by the passagel of a moving conveyance `tor controlling said pressure fluid means and causing the delivery ol a quantity oit material to said convoyance While in transit, aiidfmeans i'oi' i'endering said controlling means ineliective Whe-n the pressure fluid supply ialls'below a predetermined amount.

`controlled means yadapted to be actuated by a conveyance for causing said loading apparatus to deposit a quantity of material in said conveyance and means responsive toy loading system, the

in the fluid pressure sunply at said duid pressure controlled means rer rensiiering said loading apparatus ineiliective.

39. ln an automatic loading system, the

combination with, a loading apparatus, a

movable member havir reciprocatory movement ior deli material thele verj from, a. co driven pA me mover, pressure 'fluid controlled means tor connecting .said prime mover to move said member in one direct-.ion and thereafter to connect said prime mover to move said member in. the opposite. direction, means actuated by -a moving conveyance for controlli 'fr said pressure fluid means to cause 'the deli-very of vice at each cotrolling` means ior rendering the same ineffective and preventing the operation of the loading` apparatus, and a switch at each loading apparatus accessible to the attendant for controlling said electro-magnetic means.

el. ln an automatic loading system, the combination Yv-:ith a loading apparatus oic controlling means adapted to be actuated by a moving conveyance for delivering a quantity of material to said conveyance -While in transit, an electro-magneticl device for rendering said controlling means ineffective and a switch for controlling said electro-magnetic device.

42. ln an automatic loading system, the combination with a loading apparatus, a controlling means adapted to be actuated by a moving conveyance tor delivering a quantity vor material to said conveyance while in transit, and means under the control of an attendant for rendering said controlling means ineffective at Will.

43. En an automatic loading system, the combination with a plurality ot loading devices, ot controllingineans at each device adapted `to be actuated by a moving conveyance for delivering each a quantity of material to said conveyance while in transit, and means Within the control of an attendant for simultaneously rendering all of said controlling means ineffective.

44. In an automatic loading` system, the combination With a plurality of loading devices, of controlling' means at ea-chdevice adapted to be actuated by a vmoving co-nveyance for causing the deposit oi a predetermined quantity of material in said conveyvhen energized and .vhen dene ineti'ective. a iclucing devices ai; d a source it, a ma iet-controlierw switch i-'or and switch for coni klc *loading system, the onvY loading device, of conmeans adopted to be actuated by evance for causing the det "l to said connection between the plunger and the closure to cause the former toy open the latter when the plunger executes its delivery movement.

4C?. in an automatic loading system for traveling conveyances having loading apparatus inclur'ling a receptacle and a power driven movable discharge member therefor discharge a quantity of material i therefrom into a moving conveyance While the latter is in transit beneath the receptacle, controlling means actuated by said conveyance to apply pov/er initiate the move- Vment of said member, and means controlled by the movement thereof to stop and reverse the movement of the discharge member and to rest-ore it to its initial position.

d8. ln an automaticloading system for traveling conveyances having a loading apparatus including a receptacle and a power driven movable discharge member therefor to discharffe a quantity of material therefrom to ak moving conveyance While the latter is in transit beneath the receptacle, a controlling Ydevice to control the power for mor-.fing said member, means actuated by said conveyance to move said controlling member to initiate the movement of the discharc'e member, and mea-ns for moving said controlling member dependent on subseouent movement of said discharge member Vto control further movement thereof.

49. In an automatic loading' system for traveling conveyances having loading ap'- paratus including receptacle and a power drivenl movable discharge member therefor to dischargev a quantity of material therefrom to a moving conveyance While the latter is in transit beneath the receptacle, a 

